Pan-Seared Chicken with Apple and Sage Reduction

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared chicken breasts glazed with a fragrant apple and sage sauce, combining savory and fruity flavors in a simple skillet dish. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6 minutes on the first side until golden brown and edges start to crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 8 fresh sage leaves to the pan. Spoon melted butter and sage over the chicken as it cooks for another 5 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  4. Step 4: Remove the chicken to a plate and tent with foil. To the same skillet, add 1 medium diced peeled green apple, sauté for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup apple cider and 1/2 cup chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up browned bits. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces by half.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 tsp honey and cook for 1 more minute until the sauce thickens slightly. Return chicken to the pan, coating with sauce and warming through for 1 minute before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Apple and Sage Reduction take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Apple and Sage Reduction?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Apple and Sage Reduction?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken with Apple and Sage Reduction for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Apple and Sage Reduction?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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